Projectile Launching Device

ABSTRACT

A projectile launching device, which preferably includes a main body, a handle, a plunger, a plunger handle, and a projectile chamber. The plunger handle is connected to the plunger and preferably located proximate the rear of the main body. The invention is fabricated in such a way that allows the user to grasp the handle, pull the plunger handle towards them, and launch a projectile away from them. Preferably, the projectiles launched are spherical. In addition, the handle is preferably hollow In order to act as spare projectile storage. Preferably, the projectile is launched using a burst of air. The burst of air is created when the-user pulls back on the plunger handle and releases it.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of toys. More specifically, the present invention comprises a toy projectile launcher which can launch a projectile using multiple methods.

2. Description of the Related Art

Toy projectile launchers are commonly used by children for target practice and for war-type games. Projectile launchers come in many forms, such as slingshots, bows, gun-type devices, and a multitude of other devices. Of course, each of loose devices typically uses & different type of projectile. For example, a bow uses an arrow as a projectile and a slingshot launches a small round pellet, rock, or water balloon.

In addition, particular launchers are designed to launch, different projectiles. As an example, the reader will realize that gun-type projectile launchers are often used to launch a variety of projectiles, including bullets, spherical pellets, cylindrical pellets, and many others. Oftentimes, the type of projectile to be launched decides the mechanism incorporated in the toy launcher. For example, a designer may not employ the same launching mechanism for a flat disk as he or she would for spherical projectile.

Toy projectile launchers currently exist in the art. An example of a projectile launcher is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,059,089 to Lehman (1977). The Lehman device launches projectiles using a trigger and plunger setup. A similar approach is taken in U.S. Pat. No. 8,336,531 to Fan et al. (2012). In other cases, a device that sprays water is used, with an emphasis on younger children by lubricating a device that resembles an animal. This is shown in U.S. Pat. No. D621,451 to Wong, which resembles a shark.

All these devices provide either a projectile launching device or a gun-type toy which resembles an animal. However, they fail to provide a projectile launching gun-type toy which incorporates the novel launching mechanism used in the present invention. The present invention solves this and other problems, as will be described more particularly in the following text.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a projectile launching device. The device preferably includes a main body, a handle, a plunger, a plunger handle, and a projectile chamber. The plunger handle is connected to the plunger and preferably located proximate the rear of the main body. Preferably, the projectile chamber is located on the opposite end of the plunger handle, thereby allowing the user to grasp the handle, pull the plunger handle towards them., and launch a projectile away from them. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method of launching a projectile is as follows. First, the user loads a projectile into the projectile chamber. The user grasps the handle and pulls the plunger handle back. Next, the user locks the plunger and plunger handle in place using a locking mechanism, thereby maintaining the projectile launcher in a “cocked” state. When the user is ready to launch a projectile, he or she simply slaps the plunger handle in order to release the plunger and launch the projectile.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the projectiles launched are spherical. In addition, the handle is preferably hollow in order to act as spare projectile storage. Preferably, the projectile is launched using a burst of air. The burst of air is created when the user pulls back on the plunger handle and releases it. As the user pulls on the plunger handle, a compression spring is compressed. Upon releasing the plunger handle a burst of air is created, which exits through a nozzle within the projectile chamber, thereby forcing the projectile from the projectile holder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view, showing the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, showing the projectile storage receptacle.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view., showing the rear of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view, showing the present invention in a pre-launching state.

FIG. 6 is an elevation view, showing the present invention the instant before a projectile is launched.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view, showing the present invention the instant after a projectile is launched.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view, showing the lining mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view, showing the effect of cocking the present invention within the firing mechanism.

FIG. 10 is an elevation view, showing a preferred firing method of the projectile launcher.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

10 projectile launcher 12 projectile launcher main body 14 projectile launcher handle 16 plunger end grip 18 projectile chamber 20 spare projectile receptacle cap 22 nozzle 24 press snap 26 receptacle cap hinge 28 projectile 30 bend 32 firing assembly 34 plunger 36 compression spring 38 plunger chamber 40 plunger plate 42 impact surface 44 plunger lock 46 lock tab 48 opening 50 hand of user

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a toy projectile launcher for use in target practice and other games played using a device which launches projectiles. FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment. Projectile launcher 10 includes main body 12, handle 14, plunger end grip 16, and projectile chamber 18. The reader will note that in this particular embodiment, main body 12 is in the shape of a beaver. Accordingly, this embodiment incorporates plunger end grip 16 into the tail of the beaver and projectile chamber 18 into the mouth of the beaver. Although projectile launcher 10 is shown in the shape of a beaver, projectile launcher 10 can take many other forms. For example, projectile launcher 10 may take the form of an alligator, whale, shark, or any other animal. In addition, projectile launcher 10 may take a form other than an animal, such as that of futuristic space gun or any other similarly shaped gun.

FIG. 2 shows a front elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment of the invention, chamber 18 includes nozzle 22. Preferably, the air exiling nozzle 22 creates enough force such that a projectile 28 (not shown in this view) is forced from chamber 18 when the user fires projectile launcher 10. The components of this are discussed further in the subsequent text.

In this embodiment, handle 14 is preferably hollow, which allows the user to store spare projectiles 28 (hidden in the current view) within handle 14. Thus, handle 14 acts as a receptacle to hold projectiles 28. Preferably, handle 14 includes spare projectile receptacle cap 20, Receptacle cap 20 preferably includes press snap 24 and hinge 26 (not visible in the current view), which allows a user to quickly and easily remove receptacle cap 20 in order to remove projectiles from handle 14. This is illustrated more clearly in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows the underside of projectile launcher 10. The reader will note that spare projectile receptacle cap 20 is in an open state. This illustrates the storage space available, which allows the user to store spare projectiles 28 within handle 14. Preferably, hinge 26 and press snap 24 allow the user to quickly remove projectiles from handle 14. Those familiar with the art will realize that while a snap and hinge configuration is shown, other methods of attaching (opening and closing) receptacle cap 20 to handle 14 are possible. One example of such a system is one in which receptacle cap 20 is press fit Into the hollow portion of handle 14.

FIG. 4 shows a rear elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, This view shows plunger end grip 16 centrally located relative to main body 12. Those familiar with the art will realize that plunger end grip 16 is aligned with nozzle 22 in order to launch a projectile. This will be clearly illustrated and discussed in the following text. Receptacle cap 20 is shown in a closed state in this view. The reader will note the streamlined appearance of receptacle cap hinge 2 and receptacle cap 20 when receptacle cap 20 is in the closed position.

FIG. 5 shows projectile launcher 10 prior to firing of projectile 28. As illustrated, projectile 28 is held within projectile chamber 18. In this embodiment; the diameter of projectile 28 is slightly larger than the diameter of projectile chamber 18. However, due to the flexible nature of the material of chamber 18, the user can force projectile 28 into chamber 18. This relationship holds projectile 28 within chamber 18, as illustrated. In a preferred embodiment, projectile 28 fits into chamber 18 such that it will not be dislodged due to gravity or simply shaking the device. However, projectile 28 is easily dislodged when a burst of air forces projectile 28 from chamber 18. Once the projectile 28 is loaded into chamber 18, the user grips plunger end grip 16. FIG. 6 shows projectile launcher 10 as the user pulls back plunger end grip 16 in the direction, indicated by the arrow, Once plunger end grip 16 is pulled back to the launching position, as illustrated, the user has two options. First, he or she can simply release plunger end grip 16, thereby launching projectile 28—the mechanics of which are discussed in the subsequent text. Second, the user may lilt up on plunger end grip 16. This motion would lock plunger end grip 16 in place until the user is prepared to launch projectile 28 —the mechanics of this are also discussed in the following text.

FIG. 7 shows projectile launcher 10 once end grip 16 has been released (either by simply releasing end grip 16 or by slapping end grip 16). As illustrated, upon releasing end grip 16, projectile 28 has exited chamber 18. The reader will note that plunger end grip 16 may have been released in two ways—as discussed briefly in the preceding text. First, if the user was still holding end grip 16, then he or she may launch projectile 28 by simply releasing end grip 16. Second, if the user had locked end grip 16, then he or she could slap, flip, flick, or hit end grip 16 (downward in the current view) in order to unlock the grip 16. This method of tiring projectile launcher 10 is discussed further in the subsequent text. As illustrated, end grip 16 has returned to the original position, which is also shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 shows a sectional view of projectile launcher 10. The reader will note that (1) the head of the beaver is missing and (2) projectile launcher 10 is in a pre/post launching state (the states look identical using a snapshot). As discussed in the preceding text, handle id preferably includes press snap 24 and hinge 26. Those familiar with the art will realize that bend 30 allows flexibility in press snap 24, which allows the user to change the effective width of press snap 24. With a smaller width, press snap 24 fits through receiver 32 and pivotally rotates on hinge 26. As discussed in the previous text, this is a common method of opening a hatch, and thus should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, projectile launcher 10 Includes firing assembly 32. Firing assembly 32 comprises the working parts of projectile launcher 10 which are hidden by main body 12 (visible here due to the sectional view) and allow projectile launcher 10 to fire a projectile. Preferably, firing assembly 32 includes plunger 34. compression spring 36, plunger chamber 38, plunger end grip 16, plunger plate 40, impact surface 42, plunger lock 44, lock tab 46, and nozzle 22. As illustrated, a large portion of plunger 34 is within plunger chamber 38. Of course, this configuration is during the “relaxed” state of firing assembly 32. Preferably, compression spring 36 is coiled around plunger 34. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, plunger end grip 16 is capable of translating within opening 48. This action is caused by the user pulling end grip 16 and releasing it.

FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of projectile launcher 10. As in FIG. 8, some pasts have been removed from the view for clarity purposes—specifically the head of the beaver and projectile chamber 18. In this view, plunger end grip 16 has been pulled back in order to lock plunger 34 in place. In order to lock plunger 34 in place, plunger end grip 16 is pulled to the rear (to the right in the current view). Once lock tab 46 has traveled past opening 48, the user can lift end grip 16 upward, thereby allowing him or her to rest lock tab 46 against plunger lock 44. With lock tab 46 interlocked with plunger lock 44, the user can release plunger grip 16 without launching projectile 28.

Now referring to FIGS. 8-9, the reader can clearly see the mechanism used to launch projectile 28. When projectile launcher 10 is In a relaxed state (FIG. 8), spring 36 is fully extended. One end of spring 36 rests against plunger plate 40 while the other end rests against the inner right side (right side in this view) of plunger chamber 38, as illustrated. Preferably, plunger plate 40 is rigidly fastened to plunger 34. Thus, when a user pulls plunger end grip 16 to the right, plunger plate 40 acts to compress spring 36 against the right wall of plunger chamber 38. Those familiar with the art will realize that as spring 36 is compressed the force urging plunger plate 40 back to the front of projectile launcher 10 increases. At this point, the user may release plunger end grip 16 or lift end grip 16 so that lock lab 46 and plunger lock 44 interlock. By interlocking plunger lock 44 and lock tab 46, the user can maintain projectile launcher 10 in a “cocked” state. This allows the user to quickly fire projectile 28 (not shown in this view) if necessary. Those familiar with the art will realize that, while in the “cocked” state, spring 36 is acting against plunger plate 40, urging it towards impact surface 42. However, lock tab 46 pressing against plunger lock 44 prevents spring 36 from expanding.

When, the user is prepared to launch projectile 28, as discussed in the preceding text, he or she can either release plunger end grip 16 or tap plunger end grip (in the case where plunger 34 is locked). At the instant plunger 34 is released, the force created by spring 36 is no longer held back. Thus, plunger 34 begins to travel towards nozzle 22. As plunger 34 travels towards nozzle 22 (due to the force created by compressed spring 36), plunger plate 40 forces air within plunger chamber 38 towards nozzle 22 as well. Preferably, when plunger plate 40 impacts impact surface 42, much of the air within plunger chamber 38 is force out of nozzle 22. That air, which has been concentrated to a small area through nozzle 22, then acts upon projectile 28 (not shown in this view). The force created by this air drives projectile 28 (see FIGS. 5-7) from projectile chamber 38, thereby launching projectile 28 at a target.

FIG. 10 shows a user in the process of slapping plunger grip 16. As shown and described previously in FIGS. 8-9, compression spring 36 urges plunger 34 towards the front portion of projectile launcher 10. Also described in the preceding text is that the user can lock plunger 34 in a “cocked” state by pulling plunger grip 16 hack and up. This motion interlocks plunger lock 44 against lock tab 46, thereby maintaining spring 36 in a compressed state. Of course, the force of spring 36 is constantly acting upon plunger plate 40 while spring 36 is in this compressed state. Those familiar with the art will realize that the mechanism preventing spring 36 from expanding, and therefore plunger 34 from traveling towards the front of launcher 10, is simply the contact between plunger lock 44 and lock tab 46. This interlocking is simply two vertical surfaces held in contact and equilibrium by the force of spring 36. Because this interlocking method is simply two vertical surfaces, forcing plunger grip 16 downward separates the two vertical surfaces which allows spring 16 to expand.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, plunger grip 16 is slapped in order to release spring 36. FIG. 10 shows this. The reader will note that plunger grip 16 preferably has an enlarged surface area (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3). This enlarged area allows for a larger space for the user to slap when launching a projectile. As shown, projectile launcher 10 is in a locked state (hidden by the body of launcher 10 but shown in FIG. 9). The hand of the user 50 is traveling downward in the current view in order to slap plunger grip 16. This slap releases plunger lock 44 from contact with lock tab 46 which allows the potential stored in compressed spring 36 to turn into motion. Once spring 36 is fully expanded, projectile 28 is launched, as described in the preceding text (FIGS. 7-8).

The preceding description contains significant detail regarding novel aspects of the present invention. It should not be construed, however, as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be fixed to the following claims, rather than specific examples given. 

Having described my invention, I claim:
 1. A method allowing a projectile launcher to quickly launch projectiles, comprising: a. providing a projectile launcher, including, i. a main body having a forward end and an aft end, ii. said forward end of said main body including a projectile chamber capable of receiving said projectiles, iii. a handle, iv. a firing chamber contained within said main body having a forward end which corresponds to said forward end of said main body and an aft end which corresponds to said aft end of said main body, v. said forward end of said firing chamber having a nozzle, fluidly connected to said projectile chamber, vi. said aft end of said firing chamber including an opening, vii. a plunger having a forward end which corresponds to said forward end of said main body and an aft end which corresponds to said aft end of said main body, viii. said forward end of said plunger includes a flat plate and said aft end of said plunger having a grip, ix. wherein said opening located at said aft end of said plunger translates within said firing chamber through said opening of said firing chamber and said opening of said main body, x. a spring contained within said firing chamber which is coiled around said plunger; xi. said opening located on said aft end of said main body includes a horizontal surface, xii. said plunger includes a horizontal surface near the center of said plunger designed to bear against said horizontal surface on said aft end of said main body; b. pulling said plunger handle back such that said plunger translates through said opening located at said aft end of said main body; c. lifting said plunger handle such that said horizontal surface located on said plunger bears against said horizontal surface located on said aft end of said main body; d. wherein said horizontal surface located on said plunger is engaged with said horizontal surface located on said main body due to a force created by said spring; and e. striking said plunger handle in order to release said spring and launch said projectile.
 2. A method allowing a projectile launcher to quickly launch projectiles as recited in claim 1, wherein: a. said main body of said projectile launcher is in the shape of an animal; b. said animal includes a head and a tail; and c. said tail corresponding to said aft end and said head corresponding to said forward end.
 3. A method allowing a projectile launcher to quickly launch projectiles as recited in claim 2, wherein: a. said projectile chamber corresponds to the mouth of the animal; and b. said plunger handle corresponding to said tail of said animal.
 4. A method allowing a projectile launcher to quickly launch projectiles as recited in claim 3, wherein said animal shape is a beaver.
 5. A method allowing a projectile launcher to quickly launch projectiles as recited in claim 1, wherein said projectiles are spherically shaped.
 6. A method allowing a projectile launcher to quickly launch projectiles as recited in claim 5, wherein: a. said handle in said projectile launcher is hollow and generally cylindrical; b. said handle includes a cap hingedly connected to said handle; c. said cap has a circular shape; and d. said projectiles are stored within said handle.
 7. A method allowing a projectile launcher to quickly launch projectiles as recited in claim 6, wherein said cap includes a press snap located opposite said hinged connection.
 8. A method allowing a projectile launcher to quickly launch projectiles, comprising: a. providing a projectile launcher, including, i. a main body having a forward end and an aft end, ii. said forward end of said main body including a projectile chamber capable of receiving said projectiles, iii. a handle, iv. a bring chamber contained within said main body having a forward end which corresponds to said forward end of said main body and an aft end which corresponds to said aft end of said main body, v. said forward end of said bring chamber having a nozzle, fluidly connected to said projectile chamber, vi. said aft end of said firing chamber including an opening, vii. a plunger having a forward end which corresponds to said forward end of said main body and an aft end which corresponds to said aft end of said main body, viii. said forward end of said plunger includes a flat plate and said aft end of said plunger having a grip, ix. wherein said opening located at said aft end of said plunger translates within said bring chamber through said opening of said firing chamber and said opening of said main body, x. a spring contained within said firing chamber which is coiled around said plunger; xi. said opening located on said aft end of said main body includes a horizontal surface, xii. said plunger includes a horizontal surface near the center of said plunger designed to bear against said horizontal surface on said aft end of said main body; b. pulling said plunger handle back such that said plunger translates through said opening located at said aft end of said main body; c. lifting said plunger handle such that said horizontal surface located on said plunger bears against said horizontal surface located on said aft end of said main body; d. wherein said horizontal surface located on said plunger is engaged with said horizontal surface located on said main body due to a force created by said spring; e. striking said plunger handle in order to release said spring and launch said projectile; f. wherein said main body of said projectile launcher is in the shape of an animal including a head and a tail.
 9. A method allowing a projectile launcher to quickly launch projectiles as recited in claim 8, wherein said plunger handle corresponds to said tail of said animal.
 10. A method allowing a projectile launcher to quickly launch projectiles as recited in claim 9, wherein said tail has a large surface area relative to said plunger increasing the ease of striking said plunger.
 11. A method allowing a projectile launcher to quickly launch projectiles as recited in claim 10, wherein said projectile chamber corresponds to the mouth of the animal.
 12. A method allowing a projectile launcher to quickly launch projectiles as recited in claim 11, wherein said animal shape is a beaver.
 13. A method allowing a projectile launcher to quickly launch projectiles as recited in claim 8, wherein said projectiles are spherically shaped.
 14. A method allowing a projectile launcher to quickly launch projectiles as recited in claim 13, wherein said handle of said projectile launcher is hollow and cylindrical.
 15. A method allowing a projectile launcher to quickly launch projectiles as recited in claim 14, wherein: a. said handle includes a circular cap; and b. said cap having a hinge and a press snap;
 16. A method allowing a projectile launcher to quickly launch projectiles as recited in claim 15, wherein said projectiles are spherically shaped.
 17. A method allowing a projectile launcher to quickly launch projectiles as recited in claim 16, wherein: a. said press snap is located opposite of said hinge on said cap; and b. said cap has a corresponding hinge allowing said cap to pivot on said hinge.
 18. A method allowing a projectile launcher to quickly launch projectiles as recited in claim 17, wherein said projectiles are stored in said handle and retained by said cap. 